Seodaemun-gu District Mayor Park Un-gi. [Provided by Seodaemun-gu]
Seodaemun-gu District Mayor Park Un-gi. [Provided by Seodaemun-gu]

Seodaemun-gu announced Tuesday that it will begin implementing the "2026 Cultural Tourism Market Development Program" at Yeongcheon Market and Pobangter Market this month.

Yeongcheon Market has been selected for the program for the third time, having previously been chosen as a cultural tourism market in 2022 and a digital traditional market in 2024 under competitions organized by the Ministry of SMEs and Startups. The district plans to carry out a range of projects through next year as it works to position the market as a global street food destination linked to Seodaemun's history and tourism offerings.

This year, the district will establish a multipurpose tourism center and operate foreign visitor experience programs and a night market. The center, designed to improve visitor convenience and provide market information, is set to open by mid-August inside Dongnimmun Culture Park, adjacent to Yeongcheon Market. Inside, it will feature a photo zone and luggage storage lockers; outside, a symbolic sculpture using the market's character will be installed.

Pobangter Market is participating in the cultural tourism development program for the second consecutive year. Last year, under the slogan "A market you return to, not just visit for a day," the market introduced a new retro-themed street, experience and performance programs, a local tour, and children's activity programs.

This year, the district will build on and expand last year's initiatives while introducing a new participatory market event called "Pobangter Da-IT-so," running from July through September.

"We expect this project, which links Seodaemun-gu's culture, tourism and commercial districts, to not only draw more visitors but also help establish the area as a leading K-traditional market in Seoul and invigorate the local economy," District Mayor Park Un-gi said.


ikson@heraldcorp.com